Ed Department: More Students Being Served Under IDEA
The number of American schoolchildren receiving special education services is on the rise and they’re increasingly being served in mainstream classrooms at least part of the day.
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Largest-Ever Genetic Study of Autism Yields New Insights
Anyone who’s spent time with people affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can tell you that it’s a very complex puzzle. The wide variability seen among individuals with this group of developmental brain disorders, which can disrupt communication, behavior control, and social skills, has also posed a huge challenge for researchers trying to identify underlying genetic and environmental factors. So, it’s no surprise that there’s been considerable interest in the recent findings of the largest-ever genetic study of ASD.
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5 Ways to Advocate Successfully for Your Child’s Special Education
Children with learning differences or other special education needs have a great advantage in meeting their educational goals if we parents understand just how much we can do to make a meaningful difference. How can you be the best advocate when it comes to getting the educational services your child needs? Here are five essentials every parent should know: Continue Reading...
Aging Out: A Review of a Documentary by Melissa Collins-Porter
The documentary “
Aging Out,” by Melissa Collins-Porter, follows young adults with autism in California as they age out of school-aged services and into the adult services system, where funding is not an entitlement, and therefore not guaranteed. Per the film, there are over 91,000 people receiving services in California, with 28,000 young adults who were diagnosed with autism in 2018 aging out and in need of adult services and support.
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Senate Passes Bill Expanding Access To Respite Care
Lawmakers are pressing ahead with a plan to increase federal funding to support respite care for families of those with disabilities and other special needs.
The U.S. Senate unanimously approved a bill this week known as the Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act of 2019, or S.995, which would authorize $50 million over the next five years for the Lifespan Respite Care Program, a system of community-based respite care services across the country. Continue Reading...
How Schools Are Preparing for Possible Coronavirus Outbreaks
The coronavirus (COVID-19) has now spread to six of the world’s seven continents, and in this country, the Centers for Disease Control have responded by calling on the public to prepare for a potential pandemic. At the encouragement of federal officials, hospitals, businesses and schools are preparing for coronavirus outbreaks. READ MORE
